Jamaica’s endemic plant genera: updates in research, taxonomic knowledge, phytogeography and conservation

ABSTRACT

Seven plant genera are regarded as endemic to Jamaica [Dendrocousinsia (seven species, Euphorbiaceae), Jacmaia (one species, Asteraceae), Odontocline (six species, Asteraceae), Portlandia (six species, Rubiaceae), Salpixantha (two species, Acanthaceae), Tetrasiphon (one species, Celastraceae) and Zemisia (one species, Asteraceae)]. A review pertinent to the taxonomy, distribution range, phylogenetics, conservation challenges and research updates of these genera is presented. We also provide an overview pertinent to biodiversity conservation policy and phytogeography of Jamaica. Half of the species placed in these genera have not been red-listed (sensu IUCN), and six of them are not in situ conserved in protected areas. Tetrasiphon and D. lesteri var. glabrata have the highest conservation priority within these endemic genera. Taxonomic boundaries between species of Odontocline are poorly understood, and there is a lack of phylogenetic data for this genus. None of these endemic genera have been the subject of population biology or population genetic studies. Phytochemical research has been performed on Portlandia and the three genera of the Compositae. Among these endemic taxa only Z. discolor has been reported to have ethnobotanical usage; however, the tea infusions made from leaves of this taxon may potentially cause cirrhosis. Extracts derived from leaves of Portlandia have antitumour activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Biodiversity hotspots
• tropical islands
• West Indies
• plant taxonomy
• plant conservation
• IUCN

Acknowledgements

This study is part of the PhD research of the senior author [under the academic supervision of Philip Rose (PER, major advisor), Javier Francisco-Ortega (JFO, co-major advisor) and Brett Jestrow (BJ)], and it is framed within the official institutional agreement established between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Florida International University (FIU). This is contribution 359 from the Tropical Biology Program of FIU. We dedicate this publication to Peter Bretting in recognition of his work in promoting the heritage value of Jamaican endemic genera during his tenure at the Institute of Jamaica between 1984 and 1986.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplemental material

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Additional information

Funding

The academic visit made by PER to FIU and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (FTBG) to set up the educational foundations of this study was supported by the FIU Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center. Tracy Commock’s research visits to Miami were supported by the Graduate Research and Publications Fund, UWI (Mona Campus); Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund [grant number 12254431]; FTBG and the Montgomery Botanical Center.